An interdisciplinary project

that features transportation,

planning, and stormwater mitigation

The Cape Cod Commission, in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) District 5, conducted a "Living Streets" study of Route 6A between Brewster and Orleans to create initial designs for a retrofit that improves safety, provides amenities, and increases connections between different modes of transportation. The Living Streets concept accommodates bicyclists, pedestrians, disabled patrons, and automobiles while also serving to help clean air and water.

The 1.7-mile portion of Route 6A that was studied connects Nickerson State Park and the adjacent Cape Cod Rail Trail with the shopping, banking, and services in Orleans village center.

Click on the image at right
to see a map of the study area »

« Click to open a gallery of photos
of stormwater problems in the study area

Background

For this pilot study, the project team:

- developed ranking criteria based on site attributes (for example, sidewalk condition, safety information, land uses, vegetation characteristics, topography, culverts, etc.) and mapping analysis to set priorities and guide future siting decisions, and

- produced a final report and public presentation of conceptual design plans, standard details for design elements, a recommendation for future phases, and an implementation guide for design and construction.

For more information, see the Scope of Work. The Living Streets pilot project was Task 3.4 of the FY2012 Unified Planning Work Program for the Cape Cod Commission.

Presentation on Potential Alternatives

The pilot study wrapped up in September, and the project team presented the preferred alternative conceptual plan at a public meeting in mid October 2012.

Download the
presentation »     Living Streets Corridor Pilot Study Potential Alternatives

Download the
final report »    Living Streets Corridor Project - Final Report (December 2012)

Sample schematic from the study:

Sample illustrations from the study:

Illustrations by Tabitha Harkin/CCC

CCC Staff Contacts

Tabitha Harkin
Community Design Planner
508-744-1249

Martha Hevenor
Planner
508-744-1213

Glenn Cannon
Technical Services Director
508-744-1226

Meetings

The Cape Cod Commission staff hosted an April 26, 2012, meeting, making a presentation about street design 'best management practices', site inventory, and opportunities, and taking feedback on traffic safety, pedestrian and bike accessibility, historic considerations, and community character. Resources from the meeting include:
- Slide show/presentation
- FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Living Streets

The Commission staff next hosted a meeting on Tuesday, October 16, 2012, to identify a preferred alternative for the project. The meeting included a presentation of street design 'best management practices' and conceptual design plans from the Commission, and addressed public comment and feedback on traffic safety, pedestrian and bike accessibility, historic considerations, and community character: 
- Living Streets Corridor Pilot Study Potential Alternatives

The staff finalized a report on the project in December 2012:

- Living Streets Corridor Project - Final Report

External Resources

National Complete Streets Coalition

American Society of Landscape Architects

Charles River Watershed Alliance

MassDOT (GreenDOT)

EPA Green Infrastructure